Royal Oak Chapter Six - Gundam Wing
Oct. 3rd, 2004 01:02 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
yellowhordeDisclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing and I make no money from this or any other fanfic I write. The Jolly Rogers sing ‘Royal Oak.’
Pairing: 5xM
Category: Songfic, Angst
Rating: R
Warnings: Some reference to NCS and attempted suicide. If any of this may offend you, PLEASE DON’T READ.
Title: Royal Oak
Author: yellowhorde
Notes: (thoughts) //song lyrics//
The first thing Wufei became aware of was darkness. Lots of darkness. He felt disconnected from reality. It was rather disconcerting, to be perfectly honest. He imagined himself to be simply hovering in a vast, empty space untethered from his body. And so he was, at least until he had further indication as to what was going on. Mind over matter, and all that.
(Where am I? How did I get here?)
These thoughts and many more floated in the empty darkness with him. They wandered about aimlessly, often times seeming to collide into each other. No one bothered to answer these questions, but that was simply because he had not been able to pluck the words out of his mind and communicate them in a manner in which they could be understood.
He soon became aware of two other things almost simultaneously. The first was pain, a great deal of it, actually. More pain than he would have thought possible. And so pain took on great importance and became not only pain, but PAIN. It was deep and unrelenting. It would have consumed his entire world if not for the other thing. Well, actually, two things, but they were so closely integrated; they might as well have been one. Of this Wufei instinctively knew.
The first sensory input outside of the terrible agony that enveloped his mind and therefore, the world, was the far-off, distant sound of someone calling for him. The voice was soft and melodious. It was tender and so fragile. It was a voice filled with sorrow, with tears. Wufei came to realize that he was the cause of that sorrow, and that was unbearable. That was, in fact, unforgivable.
He would have given anything to be able to comfort that voice by saying he was all right, he was in fact, pretty okay. (As okay as he could possibly be, being trapped in limbo accompanied only by his scrambled thoughts and, of course, the ever-present agony. That never seemed to go away. It was very persistent.)
But once again, he was unable to breach the gap that connected his dark floating world to that which he knew to be the real world, the world of love and life. The world where he knew he belonged.
The second sensation outside of pain was something cool and moist. This puzzled him for a while. Having all the time in the world to ponder this curiosity, he found, much to his surprise, that he was unable to grasp what he was feeling. But the cool, moist sensation made him terrible aware of how hot and uncomfortable he was. He felt as if flames were consuming him. Rational thought, trying to reassert itself, pushed that notion from his mind. Or at least tried too. The pesky idea just kept popping back up. Finally, Wufei's own stubbornness won the day.
(Be gone, foolish thinking. Logic will win the day.)
For some time, Wufei lingered in this bizarre state of being. The pain came and went, came and went. He noticed that it slowly began to change in terms of degrees of intensity. At times it was almost bearable, other times, it threatened to drive him insane, leaving him drenched with sweat and all but screaming in that great dark void. Gradually, however, the hurting subsided. The dark began to disperse, to be steadily replaced by a dense gray fog. Sounds became more distinct, and he could make out, not one voice, but many. How many he could not say, but they all, more or less, seemed familiar. The inferno that engulfed his very being was slowly quenched. Ah, relief!
Slowly, after what felt like an eternity, with much effort of will, Wufei was able to open his eyes. The world came into focus on it's own. Oh goody. He could barely make out a figure, wrapped in a blanket, and huddled in a nearby chair. The shape seemed to be familiar, important. It was too dark for further observation. This small effort seemed to tire Wufei terribly. His eyes fluttered closed. He slept.
When next time he managed to open his eyes, golden rays of warmth streaming across his face greeted him. He squinted against its brilliance and tried to avert his head. This caused him to shift his position ever so slightly, which awakened a sharp protest from his wounded side. Wufei groaned softly and determined it better to remain still. At least for the time being.
Then he heard voices above him, so familiar.
"Hey, I think he's awake!"
"Go fetch the captain."
The faint sound of footsteps, of a door that was opened then carefully closed.
Wufei cracked his eyes open ever so slightly. Then he opened them wide. Staring down at him was a pair of violet eyes, rimmed by thick lashes, chestnut brown hair and a very large grin.
Wufei licked parched lips and croaked, "Maxwell. "
He stopped short at the thick hoarseness of that one word. How long had he been out? Clearing his throat, he tried again. "W-water..."
"Oh, Water! Of course, you must be pretty thirsty." The tall colonial turned to the nightstand while he babbled on. "You had us pretty worried for a while there, pal. We almost lost you."
There was the blessed sound of liquid being poured into some sort of container. Duo turned back towards his injured comrade, glass in hand. "You were running a serious temperature for a while. The doctor had us covering your whole body with wet cloths to bring down the fever. Meilan stayed by your side, day and night, and kept you covered in wet towels. I was sure you would prune."
He sat carefully on the edge of the bed. He reached his free hand behind the other man's head to lift him up enough to take a sip, but Wufei tried to shrug away and rise up to his elbows under his own power.
Duo placed a restraining hand on Wufei's chest, shaking his head. "I wouldn't do that, if I were you, Wufei." For once, Duo’s eyes were intently serious. "Just lay back and relax. You do not want to get that wound talking, believe me. You can't have any more medicine for several hours."
Wufei recalled the flash of pain he had experienced earlier and decided to take the gunner's advice. He allowed Duo to lift his head just enough so he could manage a sip of water. It glided down his parched throat like silk. He heaved a sigh of relief. After he managed to finish the glass, Duo allowed him to settle against his pillow.
Now Wufei's voice sounded more like his own as he tried to gather his thoughts together.
"Khushrenada... the Black Rose... What happened?"
(Where is Meilan? What has happened to her?)
He wanted to leap up and demand answers, but he could not. It was all so frustrating.
Duo started to explain the events that had so recently come to pass - the death of Treize Khushrenada at the hands of Milliardo Peacecraft, the defeat of at least one branch of the Spanish Armanda. He went on to how the Black Rose was towed back to Port Smith Harbor, but he was interrupted when the door to the small room was thrown open. Both men turned their heads to catch a look at the sudden intruder.
Meilan rushed into the room, her face pale with dark rings under her eyes. Her long hair fell about her shoulders as she fell to the side of the bed. Her eyes were alive with joy as she reached out to caress the check of her husband. Suddenly, a darker expression that Wufei was unable to decipher flashed across her delicate features. It was quickly replaced by sorrow.
Her hand froze in mid air, as if she were afraid to touch him. He was slightly puzzled and more than a little hurt by her reaction. He took it as a sign that she blamed him for her abduction. His eyes clenched closed to still the tears that threatened to fall and his brow furrowed in pain.
(I have failed you, my love...please...forgive me...)
Meilan remained frozen in place, unable to move, her hand hovering bare inches from the pale flesh of her husband. She saw his eyes close; saw the pain in his expression.
(He knows. Oh, how he must loathe me! I...please...I'm so sorry!)
Her own tears slid silently down her cheeks. Her heart was breaking into a thousand jagged pieces.
(Please look at me!) She pleaded silently.
As if in respond to her thoughts, Wufei's eyes opened, wet and glistening with unshed tears. His arm rose slowly and his fingers slid over those of his wife's, entwining with them. A smile graced his lips, tremulous, faltering. He squeezed her hand gently. With a shuddering breath, he spoke the words he had longed to say for what seemed like an eternity.
"Meilan...I love you... Please forgive me... for failing you."
Meilan threw herself at her husband, wrapping her arms about him as she had dreamed of doing for so long. She rained small kisses down on his upturned face until finally he managed to catch her lips with his own. His arms slid about her but he stopped as he felt her stiffen within his embrace. Sadness dampened the happiness and contentment that had rushed to fill his soul. He pulled gently away and silently vowed that he would never allow them to be separated again. He would remain by her side forever. And he would protect her with his life.
Duo, sensing the discomfort between the two, began to back slowly out of the room.
"I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. Catch you later."
As he retreated, he bumped into Captain Heero Yuy, who had just entered the small cabin. Behind him stood the cabin boy, Quatre Winner, whose blue-green eyes shimmered with concern. The unexpected impact startled a grunt from Duo. He turned sheepishly to the two other men.
"Let's give these two some privacy, shall we?"
Heero nodded silently and taking the shy Quatre gently by the arm, led the boy from the room followed closely by Duo, who shut the door firmly.
*****
Golden sunlight was streaming through the open window. The salty tang of the ocean wafted into the room on a gentle breeze, which playfully billowed the white lace curtains. Wufei, finally up and about on his own two feet, was carefully folding some clothes when he heard a knock on his cabin door.
"You may enter," he called, "the door is not locked."
Captain Heero Yuy entered holding his hat in his hands. He smiled at his former second in command. It was such a relief to see him moving about again, apparently fully recovered from his ordeal. The first few weeks after the battle had been riddled with tension. They had almost lost him. Heero shook his head in wonder. He was still amazed that Wufei had somehow managed to survive. He had seen the damage Treize Khushrenada had inflicted upon his friend and knew that a lesser man would have died.
Heero set his hat down on the nearby dresser. "So..." he began awkwardly, " I guess it's finally time to say good bye."
Wufei nodded his head silently, never raising his eyes from the task at hand. He had never been very good with words and it hurt him terribly to have to bid farewell to all of his friends aboard the ship. But it was time for him to return to his homeland with his wife, Meilan. She needed to be with her family. He sighed and carefully placed the last of the carefully folded garments into the trunk and shut the lid.
After he secured the lock, Wufei turned and faced his captain.
"Yes, it is time to say good bye, but it will not be forever. You and the others are more than welcomed to visit anytime."
He paused for thought. He was just so bad at these sorts of things. There was so much he wanted, needed to say. He wanted to tell his captain, his friend, how grateful he was to him and his crew for all they had done. He wanted to express his profound appreciation, but he did not have the words. Mere words would never be enough.
So instead he smiled and simply said, "I will miss you all, sir. You have all been like a family to me."
Heero nodded his head silently. High praise indeed from the solemn youth. Neither man had been gifted with words, but that hardly mattered. Words were not needed between the two. He glanced around the small room, now bare except for the bed, the dresser, a small table and two chairs. All of Wufei and Meilan's earthly possessions were packed away into the small scattering of trunks on the floor.
"Where is Meilan?" he wondered aloud. "The ship will be departing with the tide."
"She's resting in the garden,” replied Wufei. His eyes filled with concern and he sat dejectedly on the stripped bed. "As you already know, this pregnancy has not been easy for her, physically or emotionally.” He sighed, tiredly. “The doctor does not believe that she will be able to carry the child to full term."
"And if she does, what will you do then?"
Heero sat down besides Wufei. The mattress squeaked ever so quietly. He hated to ask such a delicate question, but he simply had to know. At least he had to ask. Whether his friend chose to reply was entirely up to him. And he would respect that decision, whichever it may be.
For a long moment, complete silence filled the small room. Wufei finally averted his gaze from his friend's questioning blue eyes. What would be done about the child? A child conceived by rape, a child of mixed blood? He had tried to wrap his mind around such difficult issues for the past several months. He was really no closer to an answer than he had been when he first learned of Meilan's pregnancy. What would their families think?
Wufei shook his head angrily. What did it matter what they thought? He loved his wife. He did not blame her for this. How could he place blame, when he still felt so responsible? If only he had been there to protect her. But that was in the past. The past could not be changed. Best to live life in the present.
Wufei had not been able to bring himself to demand Meilan to abort the child. Mainly out of concern for his wife. She had suffered so much at the hands of that despicable Treize Khushrenada and she had been weak from her attempted suicide only days before the battle. She might not have survived an abortion. And he could not have lived with himself if anything had happened to her, if anything had gone wrong. She had simply been too weak, in mind, body, and spirit. No, he could not have forced that sort of decision upon her.
The other reason he had not demanded an abortion was that he still believed that all life was sacred. It did not seem right to end an innocent child's life for the sins of its father.
Yes, Khushrenada had sired the child, but it was still a part of Meilan. What right did he have to
demand its death? No matter what he had thought or felt about her abductor, Wufei loved his wife with all of his heart and soul. If Meilan could find it in her heart to love and accept this child, then he could do no less.
Wufei glanced over towards his captain. "It is not my decision to make." He replied finally. "If Meilan is willing to keep the child, then I will raise it as my own. It is, after all, still a part of her."
He stood abruptly and began to gather the luggage in his hands.
"We must hurry, if we are to set sail with the tide.” Wufei said, his firm tone indicating that he did not wish to discuss the matter any more. “'Time and Tide wait for no man.' or so the saying goes."
*****
The young couple stood on the dock, surrounded by their friends. Their luggage was carefully stowed aboard the long boat that would take them out to their ship. The time had come to say good-bye. Heero embraced first Wufei, then after a moment’s hesitation, Meilan. He bid them both farewell and promised to come and visit when his duties allowed. Although he had grown to care for the man and woman before him like family, he seemed a touch stiff, for he was not comfortable with public displays of affection.
Duo, on the other hand had no such reservations. He caught Wufei and his wife in an enthusiastic, but careful, bear hug, mindful of Meilan's expanding stomach. He threw his arm about Wufei's neck and delivered the king of all noogies, much to Wufei's chagrin. Meilan couldn't help but laugh at the sour expression her husband threw towards the gunner. He took her hands warmly in his own and beamed at her.
"Don't forget to take good care of yourself, Meilan." Duo gave the lovely mother-to-be an almost shy peck on the cheek.
Trowa and Quatre approached together. The two had become close friends over the last few months and seemed happy and relaxed in each other's company. Trowa had even shared with the young cabin boy tales from his own childhood and Quatre in turn had taught him how to communicate efficiently with the flags. The two were often seen sending messages to each other. What those messages said was anybody's guess.
Trowa shook hands with first the former second in command, then his wife. He smiled gently, and his eyes twinkled in the light. He would miss the couple greatly, especially Meilan's fine cooking. Their current chef - and chef was too kind a word for the man- could easily manage to burn water. Trowa was surprised that the man had not been made to walk the plank for his cuisine was almost lethal.
"Good luck." he finally said, smiling and nodding his head at Meilan.
The young cabin boy formally shook Wufei's hand and simply stated, "Best of luck to you and your wife, sir."
To Meilan, whom the boy treated like one of his many sisters he had left back at home, he presented a delicately crocheted shawl.
"This is for you, to help keep you warm on all those chilly sea nights." He mumbled shyly. "It was my mother’s and I thought you should have it."
Meilan smiled gently and kissed the boy gently on the forehead.
"Thank you, Quatre. That was very sweet of you." She held it up for a closer look. She nodded her head in approval. It was excellent workmanship. "It is truly lovely. I couldn't have done a better job."
One of the sailors at the oars cleared his throat apologetically. All eyes turned towards him.
"If we are to set sail, sir, madam, then we need to get you and your stuff to the ship straight away."
Wufei nodded and, after helping his wife find her seat, settled down besides her. He took her delicate hands into his own. More good-byes were exchanged as the long boat slipped through the water towards the galleon anchored in the bay. Wufei kissed his wife on the forehead and she leaned her head against the hollow of his shoulder, content in the fact that she would be facing the uncertain future by his side.
// If anyone then should inquire
As to our valiant captain's name
Well, captain Will Founder was our commander
And the Royal Oak was our ship by name //
THE END
Pairing: 5xM
Category: Songfic, Angst
Rating: R
Warnings: Some reference to NCS and attempted suicide. If any of this may offend you, PLEASE DON’T READ.
Title: Royal Oak
Author: yellowhorde
Notes: (thoughts) //song lyrics//
The first thing Wufei became aware of was darkness. Lots of darkness. He felt disconnected from reality. It was rather disconcerting, to be perfectly honest. He imagined himself to be simply hovering in a vast, empty space untethered from his body. And so he was, at least until he had further indication as to what was going on. Mind over matter, and all that.
(Where am I? How did I get here?)
These thoughts and many more floated in the empty darkness with him. They wandered about aimlessly, often times seeming to collide into each other. No one bothered to answer these questions, but that was simply because he had not been able to pluck the words out of his mind and communicate them in a manner in which they could be understood.
He soon became aware of two other things almost simultaneously. The first was pain, a great deal of it, actually. More pain than he would have thought possible. And so pain took on great importance and became not only pain, but PAIN. It was deep and unrelenting. It would have consumed his entire world if not for the other thing. Well, actually, two things, but they were so closely integrated; they might as well have been one. Of this Wufei instinctively knew.
The first sensory input outside of the terrible agony that enveloped his mind and therefore, the world, was the far-off, distant sound of someone calling for him. The voice was soft and melodious. It was tender and so fragile. It was a voice filled with sorrow, with tears. Wufei came to realize that he was the cause of that sorrow, and that was unbearable. That was, in fact, unforgivable.
He would have given anything to be able to comfort that voice by saying he was all right, he was in fact, pretty okay. (As okay as he could possibly be, being trapped in limbo accompanied only by his scrambled thoughts and, of course, the ever-present agony. That never seemed to go away. It was very persistent.)
But once again, he was unable to breach the gap that connected his dark floating world to that which he knew to be the real world, the world of love and life. The world where he knew he belonged.
The second sensation outside of pain was something cool and moist. This puzzled him for a while. Having all the time in the world to ponder this curiosity, he found, much to his surprise, that he was unable to grasp what he was feeling. But the cool, moist sensation made him terrible aware of how hot and uncomfortable he was. He felt as if flames were consuming him. Rational thought, trying to reassert itself, pushed that notion from his mind. Or at least tried too. The pesky idea just kept popping back up. Finally, Wufei's own stubbornness won the day.
(Be gone, foolish thinking. Logic will win the day.)
For some time, Wufei lingered in this bizarre state of being. The pain came and went, came and went. He noticed that it slowly began to change in terms of degrees of intensity. At times it was almost bearable, other times, it threatened to drive him insane, leaving him drenched with sweat and all but screaming in that great dark void. Gradually, however, the hurting subsided. The dark began to disperse, to be steadily replaced by a dense gray fog. Sounds became more distinct, and he could make out, not one voice, but many. How many he could not say, but they all, more or less, seemed familiar. The inferno that engulfed his very being was slowly quenched. Ah, relief!
Slowly, after what felt like an eternity, with much effort of will, Wufei was able to open his eyes. The world came into focus on it's own. Oh goody. He could barely make out a figure, wrapped in a blanket, and huddled in a nearby chair. The shape seemed to be familiar, important. It was too dark for further observation. This small effort seemed to tire Wufei terribly. His eyes fluttered closed. He slept.
When next time he managed to open his eyes, golden rays of warmth streaming across his face greeted him. He squinted against its brilliance and tried to avert his head. This caused him to shift his position ever so slightly, which awakened a sharp protest from his wounded side. Wufei groaned softly and determined it better to remain still. At least for the time being.
Then he heard voices above him, so familiar.
"Hey, I think he's awake!"
"Go fetch the captain."
The faint sound of footsteps, of a door that was opened then carefully closed.
Wufei cracked his eyes open ever so slightly. Then he opened them wide. Staring down at him was a pair of violet eyes, rimmed by thick lashes, chestnut brown hair and a very large grin.
Wufei licked parched lips and croaked, "Maxwell. "
He stopped short at the thick hoarseness of that one word. How long had he been out? Clearing his throat, he tried again. "W-water..."
"Oh, Water! Of course, you must be pretty thirsty." The tall colonial turned to the nightstand while he babbled on. "You had us pretty worried for a while there, pal. We almost lost you."
There was the blessed sound of liquid being poured into some sort of container. Duo turned back towards his injured comrade, glass in hand. "You were running a serious temperature for a while. The doctor had us covering your whole body with wet cloths to bring down the fever. Meilan stayed by your side, day and night, and kept you covered in wet towels. I was sure you would prune."
He sat carefully on the edge of the bed. He reached his free hand behind the other man's head to lift him up enough to take a sip, but Wufei tried to shrug away and rise up to his elbows under his own power.
Duo placed a restraining hand on Wufei's chest, shaking his head. "I wouldn't do that, if I were you, Wufei." For once, Duo’s eyes were intently serious. "Just lay back and relax. You do not want to get that wound talking, believe me. You can't have any more medicine for several hours."
Wufei recalled the flash of pain he had experienced earlier and decided to take the gunner's advice. He allowed Duo to lift his head just enough so he could manage a sip of water. It glided down his parched throat like silk. He heaved a sigh of relief. After he managed to finish the glass, Duo allowed him to settle against his pillow.
Now Wufei's voice sounded more like his own as he tried to gather his thoughts together.
"Khushrenada... the Black Rose... What happened?"
(Where is Meilan? What has happened to her?)
He wanted to leap up and demand answers, but he could not. It was all so frustrating.
Duo started to explain the events that had so recently come to pass - the death of Treize Khushrenada at the hands of Milliardo Peacecraft, the defeat of at least one branch of the Spanish Armanda. He went on to how the Black Rose was towed back to Port Smith Harbor, but he was interrupted when the door to the small room was thrown open. Both men turned their heads to catch a look at the sudden intruder.
Meilan rushed into the room, her face pale with dark rings under her eyes. Her long hair fell about her shoulders as she fell to the side of the bed. Her eyes were alive with joy as she reached out to caress the check of her husband. Suddenly, a darker expression that Wufei was unable to decipher flashed across her delicate features. It was quickly replaced by sorrow.
Her hand froze in mid air, as if she were afraid to touch him. He was slightly puzzled and more than a little hurt by her reaction. He took it as a sign that she blamed him for her abduction. His eyes clenched closed to still the tears that threatened to fall and his brow furrowed in pain.
(I have failed you, my love...please...forgive me...)
Meilan remained frozen in place, unable to move, her hand hovering bare inches from the pale flesh of her husband. She saw his eyes close; saw the pain in his expression.
(He knows. Oh, how he must loathe me! I...please...I'm so sorry!)
Her own tears slid silently down her cheeks. Her heart was breaking into a thousand jagged pieces.
(Please look at me!) She pleaded silently.
As if in respond to her thoughts, Wufei's eyes opened, wet and glistening with unshed tears. His arm rose slowly and his fingers slid over those of his wife's, entwining with them. A smile graced his lips, tremulous, faltering. He squeezed her hand gently. With a shuddering breath, he spoke the words he had longed to say for what seemed like an eternity.
"Meilan...I love you... Please forgive me... for failing you."
Meilan threw herself at her husband, wrapping her arms about him as she had dreamed of doing for so long. She rained small kisses down on his upturned face until finally he managed to catch her lips with his own. His arms slid about her but he stopped as he felt her stiffen within his embrace. Sadness dampened the happiness and contentment that had rushed to fill his soul. He pulled gently away and silently vowed that he would never allow them to be separated again. He would remain by her side forever. And he would protect her with his life.
Duo, sensing the discomfort between the two, began to back slowly out of the room.
"I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. Catch you later."
As he retreated, he bumped into Captain Heero Yuy, who had just entered the small cabin. Behind him stood the cabin boy, Quatre Winner, whose blue-green eyes shimmered with concern. The unexpected impact startled a grunt from Duo. He turned sheepishly to the two other men.
"Let's give these two some privacy, shall we?"
Heero nodded silently and taking the shy Quatre gently by the arm, led the boy from the room followed closely by Duo, who shut the door firmly.
*****
Golden sunlight was streaming through the open window. The salty tang of the ocean wafted into the room on a gentle breeze, which playfully billowed the white lace curtains. Wufei, finally up and about on his own two feet, was carefully folding some clothes when he heard a knock on his cabin door.
"You may enter," he called, "the door is not locked."
Captain Heero Yuy entered holding his hat in his hands. He smiled at his former second in command. It was such a relief to see him moving about again, apparently fully recovered from his ordeal. The first few weeks after the battle had been riddled with tension. They had almost lost him. Heero shook his head in wonder. He was still amazed that Wufei had somehow managed to survive. He had seen the damage Treize Khushrenada had inflicted upon his friend and knew that a lesser man would have died.
Heero set his hat down on the nearby dresser. "So..." he began awkwardly, " I guess it's finally time to say good bye."
Wufei nodded his head silently, never raising his eyes from the task at hand. He had never been very good with words and it hurt him terribly to have to bid farewell to all of his friends aboard the ship. But it was time for him to return to his homeland with his wife, Meilan. She needed to be with her family. He sighed and carefully placed the last of the carefully folded garments into the trunk and shut the lid.
After he secured the lock, Wufei turned and faced his captain.
"Yes, it is time to say good bye, but it will not be forever. You and the others are more than welcomed to visit anytime."
He paused for thought. He was just so bad at these sorts of things. There was so much he wanted, needed to say. He wanted to tell his captain, his friend, how grateful he was to him and his crew for all they had done. He wanted to express his profound appreciation, but he did not have the words. Mere words would never be enough.
So instead he smiled and simply said, "I will miss you all, sir. You have all been like a family to me."
Heero nodded his head silently. High praise indeed from the solemn youth. Neither man had been gifted with words, but that hardly mattered. Words were not needed between the two. He glanced around the small room, now bare except for the bed, the dresser, a small table and two chairs. All of Wufei and Meilan's earthly possessions were packed away into the small scattering of trunks on the floor.
"Where is Meilan?" he wondered aloud. "The ship will be departing with the tide."
"She's resting in the garden,” replied Wufei. His eyes filled with concern and he sat dejectedly on the stripped bed. "As you already know, this pregnancy has not been easy for her, physically or emotionally.” He sighed, tiredly. “The doctor does not believe that she will be able to carry the child to full term."
"And if she does, what will you do then?"
Heero sat down besides Wufei. The mattress squeaked ever so quietly. He hated to ask such a delicate question, but he simply had to know. At least he had to ask. Whether his friend chose to reply was entirely up to him. And he would respect that decision, whichever it may be.
For a long moment, complete silence filled the small room. Wufei finally averted his gaze from his friend's questioning blue eyes. What would be done about the child? A child conceived by rape, a child of mixed blood? He had tried to wrap his mind around such difficult issues for the past several months. He was really no closer to an answer than he had been when he first learned of Meilan's pregnancy. What would their families think?
Wufei shook his head angrily. What did it matter what they thought? He loved his wife. He did not blame her for this. How could he place blame, when he still felt so responsible? If only he had been there to protect her. But that was in the past. The past could not be changed. Best to live life in the present.
Wufei had not been able to bring himself to demand Meilan to abort the child. Mainly out of concern for his wife. She had suffered so much at the hands of that despicable Treize Khushrenada and she had been weak from her attempted suicide only days before the battle. She might not have survived an abortion. And he could not have lived with himself if anything had happened to her, if anything had gone wrong. She had simply been too weak, in mind, body, and spirit. No, he could not have forced that sort of decision upon her.
The other reason he had not demanded an abortion was that he still believed that all life was sacred. It did not seem right to end an innocent child's life for the sins of its father.
Yes, Khushrenada had sired the child, but it was still a part of Meilan. What right did he have to
demand its death? No matter what he had thought or felt about her abductor, Wufei loved his wife with all of his heart and soul. If Meilan could find it in her heart to love and accept this child, then he could do no less.
Wufei glanced over towards his captain. "It is not my decision to make." He replied finally. "If Meilan is willing to keep the child, then I will raise it as my own. It is, after all, still a part of her."
He stood abruptly and began to gather the luggage in his hands.
"We must hurry, if we are to set sail with the tide.” Wufei said, his firm tone indicating that he did not wish to discuss the matter any more. “'Time and Tide wait for no man.' or so the saying goes."
*****
The young couple stood on the dock, surrounded by their friends. Their luggage was carefully stowed aboard the long boat that would take them out to their ship. The time had come to say good-bye. Heero embraced first Wufei, then after a moment’s hesitation, Meilan. He bid them both farewell and promised to come and visit when his duties allowed. Although he had grown to care for the man and woman before him like family, he seemed a touch stiff, for he was not comfortable with public displays of affection.
Duo, on the other hand had no such reservations. He caught Wufei and his wife in an enthusiastic, but careful, bear hug, mindful of Meilan's expanding stomach. He threw his arm about Wufei's neck and delivered the king of all noogies, much to Wufei's chagrin. Meilan couldn't help but laugh at the sour expression her husband threw towards the gunner. He took her hands warmly in his own and beamed at her.
"Don't forget to take good care of yourself, Meilan." Duo gave the lovely mother-to-be an almost shy peck on the cheek.
Trowa and Quatre approached together. The two had become close friends over the last few months and seemed happy and relaxed in each other's company. Trowa had even shared with the young cabin boy tales from his own childhood and Quatre in turn had taught him how to communicate efficiently with the flags. The two were often seen sending messages to each other. What those messages said was anybody's guess.
Trowa shook hands with first the former second in command, then his wife. He smiled gently, and his eyes twinkled in the light. He would miss the couple greatly, especially Meilan's fine cooking. Their current chef - and chef was too kind a word for the man- could easily manage to burn water. Trowa was surprised that the man had not been made to walk the plank for his cuisine was almost lethal.
"Good luck." he finally said, smiling and nodding his head at Meilan.
The young cabin boy formally shook Wufei's hand and simply stated, "Best of luck to you and your wife, sir."
To Meilan, whom the boy treated like one of his many sisters he had left back at home, he presented a delicately crocheted shawl.
"This is for you, to help keep you warm on all those chilly sea nights." He mumbled shyly. "It was my mother’s and I thought you should have it."
Meilan smiled gently and kissed the boy gently on the forehead.
"Thank you, Quatre. That was very sweet of you." She held it up for a closer look. She nodded her head in approval. It was excellent workmanship. "It is truly lovely. I couldn't have done a better job."
One of the sailors at the oars cleared his throat apologetically. All eyes turned towards him.
"If we are to set sail, sir, madam, then we need to get you and your stuff to the ship straight away."
Wufei nodded and, after helping his wife find her seat, settled down besides her. He took her delicate hands into his own. More good-byes were exchanged as the long boat slipped through the water towards the galleon anchored in the bay. Wufei kissed his wife on the forehead and she leaned her head against the hollow of his shoulder, content in the fact that she would be facing the uncertain future by his side.
// If anyone then should inquire
As to our valiant captain's name
Well, captain Will Founder was our commander
And the Royal Oak was our ship by name //
THE END
